Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Heron.

Hi LaToya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was a little girl with an imagination which oftentimes got me into trouble. Do I have regrets? No. Why not? Because it taught me to do the best I can with what I have. Unknowingly, this sense of resourcefulness, creativity, and gratitude prepared me for the future.

It wasn’t until college that I realized I had a knack for community, entertainment, and empowerment. That’s when I leaned in and discovered a new passion – marketing. Fast forward to now, I’ve used my skills to navigate the entertainment, advertising, and technology industries in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Believe it or not, I’ve taken risks that required me to uproot my life and start anew several times. Contrary to popular belief, I’ve failed more times than I’d like to admit … I bounced back, failed, redeemed myself, and failed some more. It’s funny because I don’t think we give failure enough credit for being one of our greatest teachers.

It’s taught me persistence and empathy but, more importantly, it’s led to seasons of discovery and self-actualization. Truth be known – if it wasn’t for my support system, taking risks, and embracing the idea of failing forward, I wouldn’t be the woman you see before you today ….

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Of course not. Just like Buju Banton said in one of his songs, “It’s not an easy road …” But I guess that’s what makes for a great story and testimony, huh?

I am human so I am not afraid to admit that I, too, had a few struggles along the way. It included toxic work environments, finances, self-sabotage, and healing inner child wounds, to name a few. But when the going got tough, I prayed, took a deep breath, and recited these words by Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference …”

It served as a reminder to trust my journey and embrace everything that comes with it – including detours, shortcuts, and dead ends. I mean … getting to the destination is great and all but the true beauty lies in the journey itself.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Brand Marketer with a mission to leave an indelible mark in the spaces where I’m planted. Throughout my career, I’ve been known for bridging the gap between intention and impact, in the most authentic ways possible. Perhaps that’s one of the things that set me apart.

For the last few years, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to lead the efforts for a high-profile event that brings in over 49,000 attendees per year. What makes this initiative so special to me is that it allows me to find creative ways to make meaningful connections with people. Seeing their faces light up when they engage with the brand experience is truly unmatched. It really does make the planning and execution worthwhile.

I’m not exactly sure what’s next but something tells me it’s going to be bigger than I ever imagined. I’m declaring it and I’ll be ready for it! The question is: are you?

Who else deserves credit in your story?
God, first and foremost.

Followed by my mother, brothers, best friends, college roommates, mentors, and sorors of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. When I think about how far I’ve come, I always think about them and how I am a reflection of my support system; they are the pillars!

Whether they are challenging me, advocating for me, reassuring me when my spirit is broken, or reminding me of who I am when I lose sight, I can always count on them.

It is because of them and my persistence that I can rise to the occasion every single time. I am blessed to have them by my side while I embark on this journey called life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thisislatoyah.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyaheron/